Abstract: A system and method for a resistor for detecting the relative level of moisture content in a humid environment. The resistor has a first layer of conductive material on a top surface of a substrate having a bend. The conductive material is exposed to atmospheric conditions. The first layer of conductive material has a static condition moisture content and a measurable electrical resistance that changes predictably when the amount of moisture content in contact with the first layer of conductive material changes from the static condition. The change of resistance of the first layer of conductive material corresponds to a change in the moisture content in contact with the first layer of electrically conductive material.

Abstract: A method an apparatus for manufacturing a fiber web, in particular a web of tissue or hygiene material, provided with a three-dimensional surface structure, whereby the fiber web is pressed at a dry content of <25% onto an imprinting fabric by way of a first pressure field and is thereby pre-imprinted and is subsequently once more pressed onto an imprinting fabric by way of a further pressure field for further dewatering and drying in order to fix the three-dimensional surface structure and strength. Moreover, the dry content is achieved by a favorably priced apparatus instead of by a TAD drying apparatus.

Abstract: An hourglass-shaped cavitation chamber is provided. The chamber is comprised of two large cylindrical regions separated by a smaller cylindrical region. Coupling the regions are two transitional sections which are preferably smooth and curved. The chamber can be fabricated from either a fragile material, such as a glass, or a machinable material, such as a metal. An acoustic driver assembly is coupled to one end of the cavitation chamber, preferably using a threaded means (e.g., bolt or all-thread/nut), an epoxy joint, a diffusion bond joint, or a braze joint. If desired, a second acoustic driver assembly can be coupled to the second chamber end. Preferably the driver or drivers are attached such that their central axis is coaxial with the central axis of the cavitation chamber. Coupling conduits which can be used to fill/drain the chamber as well as couple the chamber to a degassing and/or circulatory system can be attached to one, or both, ends of the chamber.

Abstract: An hourglass-shaped cavitation chamber is provided. The chamber is comprised of two large spherical regions separated by a smaller cylindrical region. Coupling the regions are two transitional sections which are preferably smooth and curved. The chamber can be fabricated from either a fragile material, such as a glass, or a machinable material, such as a metal. An acoustic driver assembly is coupled to one end of the cavitation chamber, preferably using a threaded means (e.g., bolt or all-thread/nut), an epoxy joint, a diffusion bond joint, or a braze joint. If desired, a second acoustic driver assembly can be coupled to the second chamber end. Preferably the driver or drivers are attached such that their central axis is coaxial with the central axis of the cavitation chamber. Coupling conduits which can be used to fill/drain the chamber as well as couple the chamber to a degassing and/or circulatory system can be attached to one, or both, ends of the chamber.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling the flow of fluid for an inflatable mattress having multiple, non-interconnected inflatable chambers. Each inflatable chamber can be selectively inflated and deflated to vary the pressure exerted from the mattress surface to selected areas of a human body, thereby preventing the formation of decubitus ulcers.

Abstract: A system and method for a bi-directional deflectable resistor. The bi-directional deflectable resistor has a first layer of conductive material on a top surface of a substrate and a second layer of conductive material on a bottom surface of a substrate, each layer having a resistance that changes predictably when an electrical signal is applied thereto. The change of resistance of either the first layer of conductive material or the second layer of conductive material reflects an amount of deflection of the respective layer. Having two layers of conductive material allows for the measurement of deflection in all directions.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a fiber web having a three-dimensional surface structure and a strength. The method includes the steps of pre-imprinting the fiber web, pressing the fiber web and forming the fiber web. The pre-imprinting step pre-imprints the fiber web at a dry content of less than 25% with an imprinting band using a first pressure field. The pressing step presses the fiber web onto the imprinting band using a second pressure field. The pressing step further dewaters and dries the fiber web fixing the three-dimensional surface structure and the strength. The forming step forms the fiber web on the imprinting band.

Abstract: A method for splicing a multilayer papermachine fabric, in particular a papermachine wire, by first separating the layers from each other in the region of the free ends of the layers. The free ends of the respective layer are joined by means of at least partial mutual fusing of the free ends of the respective layer; arranging a reinforcing strip covering the joints of the layers between the layers; and mutually joining the reinforcing strip and the layers.

Abstract: A plastic bag for use with a coin sorting machine includes a front panel and a back panel sealed to the front panel. The front and back panels form a storage compartment therebetween and define an opening at an upper margin of the front panel. The opening is sized and shaped to receive coins from the coin sorting machine. The opening extends inwardly from one of a first side margin and a second side margin of the plastic bag and has a width which is less than an entire width of the plastic bag.

Abstract: An electrical connection for communicating between electrical terminals is provided, as is a collar for retaining the cable of such a connection and associated methods. The connection can include a first modular connector engaged to a first electrical terminal of a printer, a second connector engaged to a second terminal, and a cable extending between the first and second connectors. The first terminal of the printer can be configured to communicate via a first plurality of electrical contacts using a USB protocol and via a second plurality of electrical contacts using another protocol. In some cases, a third connector can be provided on the cable such that the first terminal can communicate to the second connector using the first protocol or to the third connector using the second protocol. The collar can be slidably disposed on cables of various configurations and engaged to a terminal to secure one of the connectors on the cable to the terminal.

Abstract: A tablet assembly that can support various electronic devices in different orientations. Generally, the tablet assembly includes a tablet frame for supporting one or more repositionable, modular electronic device housings. Repositioning allows the housings to be arranged in different configurations to suit the handedness or desires of an operator of the electronic devices. The electronic device housings define receptacles that are configured to receive the electronic devices but still allow their operation. In addition, the housings may include communications connections that interconnect the housings, and the electronic devices to allow them to communicate with each other. Further, the table frame may be configured to extend outwards from the electronic device housings so as to provide gripping surfaces and impact resistance to protect the electronic devices contained therein.

Abstract: A temperature indicator for a siding panel senses panel temperature and indicates on a graphic scale the corresponding effect of thermal expansion over differences in temperature. The temperature indicator can be various forms of contact thermometer, temperature strip or sensor and can be integral or temporarily affixed during installation or for later assessment for correct panel gapping. The indicator shows how closely the edge of the panel can be placed to an adjacent surface while avoiding interference over a range of thermal expansion temperatures.

Abstract: A siding panel product is provided comprising a first polymeric siding panel having a butt end and a top end, a front surface comprising a plurality of front faces defined between the top and butt ends and separated by at least one shoulder surface to define a stepped contour, and a rear surface. An insulation backing is coupled to the rear surface of the siding panel. The insulation backing comprises at least first and second insulation members coupled to the rear surface of said siding panel. The first insulation member has a bottom edge thereof coupled proximate to the stepped contour and the second insulation member has a top edge thereof coupled proximate to the stepped contour.

Abstract: An acoustic driver assembly for use with any of a variety of cavitation chamber configurations, including spherical and cylindrical chambers as well as chambers that include at least one flat coupling surface. The acoustic driver assembly includes at least one transducer, a head mass and a tail mass. The end surface of the head mass is shaped to limit the contact area between the head mass of the driver assembly and the cavitation chamber to which the driver is attached, the contact area being limited to a centrally located contact region. The area of contact is controlled by limiting its size and/or shaping its surface.

Abstract: A method of assembling multiple port assemblies in a cavitation chamber is provided. The method is comprised of boring at least two ports of different sizes in a cavitation chamber wall of the cavitation chamber. The external port diameter of the smaller port is smaller than that port's internal port diameter. A member selected from the group consisting of windows, plugs, feed-throughs, sensors, transducers and couplers is inserted into the chamber through the larger port and positioned within the smaller port. The member can be secured within the smaller port with an adhesive. A mounting ring/retaining ring, retaining coupler or port cover seals the second, larger port. A second member selected from the group consisting of windows, plugs, feed-throughs, sensors, transducers and couplers can be positioned within a cone-shaped port within the mounting ring or retaining coupler. A feed-thru, sensor, transducer or coupler can be integrated into the port cover.

Abstract: An acoustic driver assembly for use with any of a variety of cavitation chamber configurations, including spherical and cylindrical chambers as well as chambers that include at least one flat coupling surface, is provided. The acoustic driver assembly includes at least one transducer, a head mass and a tail mass. The end surface of the head mass is shaped so that only a ring of contact is made between the outer perimeter of the head mass of the driver assembly and the cavitation chamber to which the driver is attached. The area of the contact ring is controlled by shaping its surface.

Abstract: An acoustic driver assembly for use with any of a variety of cavitation chamber configurations, including spherical and cylindrical chambers as well as chambers that include at least one flat coupling surface, is provided. The acoustic driver assembly includes at least one transducer, a head mass and a tail mass. The end surface of the head mass is shaped so that only a ring of contact is made between the outer perimeter of the head mass of the driver assembly and the cavitation chamber to which the driver is attached. The area of the contact ring is controlled by shaping its surface.

Abstract: A port assembly for use with a single piece cavitation chamber, typically a spherical chamber, is provided. The port assembly includes a port, a mounting ring, a retaining ring and a central member mounted within the mounting ring. The mounting ring and the retaining ring can be fabricated from a single piece of material, thus combining the functions of both rings into a single retaining coupler. The mounting ring includes a cone-shaped port in which the port diameter corresponding to the external surface is smaller than the port diameter corresponding to the internal surface. The central member is cone-shaped such that it fits within the mounting ring.

Abstract: An acoustic driver assembly for use with any of a variety of cavitation chamber configurations, including spherical and cylindrical chambers as well as chambers that include at least one flat coupling surface. The acoustic driver assembly includes at least one transducer, a head mass and a tail mass. The end surface of the head mass is shaped to limit the contact area between the head mass of the driver assembly and the cavitation chamber to which the driver is attached, the contact area being limited to a centrally located contact region. The area of contact is controlled by limiting its size and/or shaping its surface.